DIY projects are one of those things that sound fun in theory—until you’re standing in the middle of a hardware store, staring at a wall of tools you don’t recognize, wondering what on earth you’ve gotten yourself into. The good news? You’re not alone. Everyone starts somewhere, and confidence isn’t something you need before you begin. It’s something you build while you’re doing the work.

Shift Your Mindset: You’re More Capable Than You Think

Have you ever told yourself, “I’m just not handy”? Every pro out there once had no clue what they were doing, either. Instead of getting caught up in what you don’t know, remind yourself that you have access to more information than ever. YouTube, blogs, random DIY forums—you name it, it’s out there. Mistakes will happen (they always do), but that’s how you get better. So next time you catch yourself doubting, reframe it: “I may not know how to do this yet, but I’m going to figure it out.”

Start Small And Build Up

Think of DIY like learning to cook. You wouldn’t start by making a five-course meal for a dinner party, right? You’d start with something simple. The same goes for home projects. If you’ve never picked up a power drill before, don’t go ripping out your kitchen cabinets just yet.

A loose doorknob? Perfect first job. Leaky faucet? That’s a reasonable start. Even something as basic as swapping out cabinet handles can get you comfortable using tools. The goal here is to prove to yourself that you can do things, even if they seem small at first. Confidence comes from little wins that build into bigger ones.

Equip Yourself With The Right Knowledge

There’s a fine line between researching a project and falling into a deep internet rabbit hole of home improvement content. Find one or two solid sources, whether it’s a well-reviewed blog, a clear video tutorial, or an expert friend. Then actually start. You’ll never feel completely ready, and that’s okay. Having structured resources that clearly outline how to follow these steps to replace your dryer’s belt, for example. You might be surprised how doable it actually is.

Get The Right Tools

It’s tempting to think you need a fully stocked tool bench before you even start your first project, but don’t fall for that trap. A basic toolkit with a screwdriver set, a hammer, a tape measure, and a drill will get you through a surprising number of projects.

When you do need something specialized, consider borrowing from a friend or renting from a hardware store instead of buying. No need to clutter your garage with stuff you’ll only use once a year.

Break It Down Into Steps

Staring at a big project in its entirety is the fastest way to convince yourself you can’t do it. But when you break it down? Suddenly, it’s not so scary. Let’s say you want to paint a room. Instead of thinking, “I have to paint this entire space,” start with: “Okay, first, I need to pick a color. Then, I’ll gather supplies. Then, I’ll prep the walls.” See? Bite-sized steps make it easier to tackle.

Ask For Help When Needed

DIY doesn’t mean do it alone. If you’re stuck, ask someone. A quick chat with an employee at the hardware store, a friend who’s done something similar, or even a random internet stranger on a DIY forum can save you a ton of frustration. And if you really feel out of your depth? There’s no shame in calling in a pro. Doing it yourself is great, but knowing your limits is smart too.

Celebrate Your Wins

It’s easy to get caught up in what’s next, but don’t forget to step back and appreciate what you’ve already done. Even if all you did was hang one shelf or fix a tiny leak, it’s a step forward. Confidence in DIY doesn’t come from nailing every project perfectly—it comes from knowing you can figure things out as you go.